Exelon brings industry-leading viewpoint to EMERGE program

Leading energy company Exelon has returned to Emerge as a TechNexus partner for year two of the accelerator program. Exelon’s digital workers share many of the same needs as first responders, collaborating with them on the scene of disasters, accidents or other emergency situations. In this broader industrial space shared by the digital worker and first responder, wearable technology has the potential to transform safety and productivity.

This shared space uniquely positions Exelon as an industry expert with the ability to share insights and best practices directly with participating ventures. For the ventures, Exelon provides a forum for feedback, as well as potential pilot programs and proof-of-concepts, while accelerating the path to market. In turn, Exelon is augmenting its existing R&D initiatives with exposure to cutting-edge innovation that has the potential to strengthen the company’s leading position as a diversified energy solutions provider.

Through Exelon’s tradition of innovation and ongoing involvement in Emerge, several themes of technological advancements have come to light. For example, Exelon understands the need for improved communication in field, enabling workers to consult with remote experts and make better decisions, faster. Emerge ventures such as Six15 and Command Wear are working to enhance situational awareness and communication. Six15 has developed customized wearable optics displays and augmented reality (AR) solutions for deployment in the most demanding environments. Command Wear leverages a software platform to integrate data from wearables and sensors for first responders and other team members to mobilize, execute, and review operations. These types of solutions are transforming workflows for both digital workers and first responders by improving worker safety and efficiency.

Connecting responders and digital workers to one another (and to remote teams) is vitally important. A second important connection exists between vehicles and teams deployed in-field. In fact, responders are at greater risk of automobile accident than they are of personal attack; similarly, digital workers rely on vehicles to provide them with environmental information and status updates. Innovations such as HAAS Alert’s “smart siren,” which alerts motorists when emergency responders are en route, create a new channel of vehicle-to-vehicle communication that is already improving safety and situational awareness. Solutions aimed at industrial applications could be soon to follow.

Exelon’s employees and first response teams also share the need for better personal protection and risk management. In addition to the logistical and strategic challenges faced by both parties in the field, workers and first responders face physical challenges amidst demanding conditions. Vault RMS has developed software utilizing biometric and situational data to document exposure to carcinogens. This data is then used to create a long-term health profile tracking an individual’s condition and risk characteristics, which can shift care towards preventative measures. Both responders and field workers stand to benefit from closer monitoring of their physical condition and well-being.

The range and depth of overlap between the first responder of the future and Exelon’s “digital worker of the future” demonstrates the clear benefits of ventures and industry leaders such as Exelon developing solutions alongside one another. In working together, both startups and the enterprise are able to bring new solutions to market faster. Exelon shares TechNexus’ perspective on innovating to build products that suit emerging needs. In December, the Converge Chicago event will elevate this partnership by bringing together entrepreneurs with Exelon and other industry-leading corporations.